Todd Smith in court for first time since murder charges

Todd Smith appeared in court briefly today for the first time since he was charged Wednesday with his wife Katrina Smith’s murder.

Kevin Haas

ROCKFORD — Todd Smith appeared in court briefly today for the first time since he was charged Wednesday with the murder of his wife, Katrina.

Smith, 45, of Machesney Park, appeared in court by video link from the Winnebago County Jail, where he sat with his ear to a jail phone and listened as Judge John Truitt read the four counts of murder and one count of concealing a homicide that Smith faces.

Smith is charged with beating his wife to death on or around Oct. 22, when Katrina Smith, 30, first went missing, and with concealing the homicide by placing her body in the Rock River. Two of the counts allege “brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty” that could carry a 20- to 100-year prison sentence. Truitt asked whether Smith understood the charges.

“Yes, sir,” Smith replied.

Smith appeared without an attorney and was appointed a public defender after he told Truitt he didn’t think he could afford to hire a private lawyer. He said he worked for Safe Money Strategies Inc. in Machesney Park before his arrest but did not have money to hire a lawyer. Smith’s voice broke slightly as he told Truitt that he and his family didn’t know whether he’d be able to hire an attorney.

Smith will be back in court at 9 a.m. Dec. 21 for his formal arraignment and chance to enter a plea. He remains in jail on a $4 million bond.

Kevin Haas: 815-987-1410; khaas@rrstar.com; @KevinMHaas

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